(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knoppix) wiki. The wiki and other features found on Knoppix.net (http://www.knoppix.net) are all about Knoppix. Knoppix.net (http://www.knoppix.net) is a resource for users, developers, and testers of Knoppix. The official website for Knoppix is at Klaus Knopper's website (http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html).

Knoppix is a Free and Open Source Live Linux CD based on Debian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian) GNU/Linux. Live Linux CD means that the computer boots and runs completely from USB. Nothing is installed on your hard drive in order for you to experience many of the Open Source software packages available. Knoppix includes recent Linux software and desktop environments, including such applications as OpenOffice.org, Abiword, Gimp, Konqueror, Firefox, Apache, PHP, MySQL and hundreds of other quality open source programs. (See "complete list of packages included with Knoppix" for more information.) Knoppix.net (http://www.knoppix.net) allows you to look at the FAQ's and Documentation, participate in discussions on the forums, or just burn a copy of it and try it out! - You can download it ( CD/DVD size ISO files, or USB HERE ) or buy it from a CD distributor, more CD info on the download / buy page (http://www.knoppix.net/get.php).

The documentation found here is organized in several sections. The goal is to take you from the very beginning to boot via USB all the way to advanced applications of the Live Linux CD.

Yeah just a note... USB flash drives can only handle a certain number of reads/writes before they stop working. For storing files and stuff it will probably never be reached, yet after a couple of years of running an OS, depending on how much it is used, the flash drive could stop working.

The life cycle of a flash drive is a question which has been around for a long time. There are many factors which contribute to the longevity of a flash drive. Today, lets look at some.

I feel there are three main components which effect the life cycle of a USB flash drive.

Memory type USB connection Chassis or case Flash drives use two primary types of flash memory. There is SLC and MLC memory. SLC is Single Level Cell memory and MLC is Multi Level Cell memory. GetUSB.info did an in-depth write-up about SLC and MLC flash memory if you’re interested, but for this article we have:

SLC memory is good for about 100,000 write cycles. MLC memory is good for about 10,000 write cycles. Most UFDs use MLC memory because it’s cheaper to make and allows manufacturers to offer more storage in a smaller space. It’s difficult to figure out which type of memory a UFD has, but it doesn’t matter anyway – most flash drives are more limited by other factors.

Next, lets look at the limiting factor of the USB connector. This is the actual socket which connects the UFD to the host computer. Doing some research, most USB Type A socket manufacturers provide a specification called Mating Durability. The spec is around 1,500 connections. WOW, that sure limits the life cycle, but I doubt many would connect the UFD to a host over 1,500 times.

Last, the chassis or case help the USB life cycle. The chassis helps the UFD look cool, but also provides a small amount of protection against wear-n-tear. UFDs are exposed to all sorts of shock. Whether it be physical shock or electric shock, it’s important to treat your UFD with care. True, there are some indestructible flash drives out there, but the point here is try not to let external factors instantly destroy your drive. The best method for shock protection is A) don’t drop, slam or smash your UFD and B) keep the cap on so the connectors don’t rub or touch another object which could create electric shock.

So, to sum everything up: Given you don’t physically ruin your drive, you have about 1,500 connections and about 10,000 write cycles before you can expect the USB life cycle to become questionable.

when i played with this more often, i found that when using thumb drives to recover older laptops, if the usb driver on-board is usb 1.0, it's is not bootable. that is dated information, so check it before making decisions based on this.

but your right, linux puts the the tech back in the equation.. dsl.. then knopixx..

I looked at Knoppix, but found Puppy easier for me to download and use. I had no trouble making a Live disc and it is very snappy. I can connect to the Internet through an RJ-45 cable to my ISP's modem. I would like to connect through one of my two wireless cards so I can use it at airports and coffee shops. One card is a Belkin G series and the other is a D-Link B series card. Belkin does not offer Linux drivers. Any help would be appreciated.